Local train disruption pushes Thane to CSMT cab fare up to Rs 900

Commuters on Mumbai's Central Railway line were hit twice at once on Monday morning. Local train services were disrupted, and a sudden surge in demand sent app-based taxi fares sharply higher.

A technical fault occurred around 9.30 am and affected local services heading to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT). Thousands of passengers were stranded at Thane station, which became heavily crowded.

Passengers were given no clear information on when services would be restored. Unsure when trains would resume, many began looking for other ways to travel. Needing to reach work on time, they turned to app-based taxis.

Demand for taxis rose sharply, and fares climbed steeply with it. The financial burden fell directly on commuters. By Monday afternoon, the taxi fare from Thane to CSMT had reached about Rs 900. Passengers going to Parel had to pay Rs 800, while the fare to Kurla was about Rs 650.

With the problem arising on the first working day of the week, thousands of people heading to work were greatly inconvenienced. For many, the trouble was not limited to lost time. The unexpected rise in taxi fares also added considerably to their daily travel costs.